I have Question - What is Intelligence?
Intelligence is observed as a complex system of reactions within a carbon based life form. When observing a cell and studying the chemical reactions that occur, at what point doesn't something become intelligent? DNA replicates itself based on charges and reactions but is it aware of what it is doing? Garth Lane, my father, states that an organism must be self aware to be considered intelligent. So at what point does something became self aware? The human brain is composed of trillions of cells working together allowing for the mind to think. Baking soda reacts with Vinegar but its this an intelligent reaction? Well, most would say no except, chemical reactions similar to this are happening on a smaller scale all the time within the cell. The quantity of reactions increases the complexity and at some point the being becomes intelligent. Their is also the concept of religious intelligence based on spiritual components. I didn't discuss this because it cant be measured scientifically.
Brandon response:
We'll Steve you and I can make quite a scene with this subject, the place I draw insight is from a doctrinal approach. I enjoy comparing what can be measured with science along side of Religion.[Intelligence] is the light of truth which gives life and light to all things in the universe. (LDS)
Light is refereed to as "Divine energy", energy is interesting word selection. Some kind of force inside everything giving it life and its own divine energy. Not sure how truth fits into it besides that truth is everlasting and so is intelligence. ❡ DNA is a fascinating crucial function in life. Science has done a good job of breaking down these units of life so well once we get to the very bottom all we see is simple reactions. Action--Reaction. Were is the intelligence in this? It would be great to ask a tRNA how aware are you? It is sooooooo amazing as I sit here and type this inside each cell of my body this process is happening making me who I am. Without this body I could not experience the events that make up the other half, third, fourth (what ever) that makes me ME. If that DNA decided to (not really decide, or does it?) keep reproducing Telomeres dang I now have cancer or if chromosomal aberrations happen I am screwed, all because of action then my body reacts. Ok so what is intelligence, the ability to react- too simple. The ability to choose between reactions?
sounds like AGENCE
For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, [...] righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.(2 Nephi 2:11)
But there is a law given, and a apunishment affixed...and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God. (Alma 42:22)
After all this jib Jab i realize I still don't know if we will ever find the answer.
Please comment tell us what you think
Steve, according to your post, there are two characteristics that define "intelligence":
ReplyDelete1. a complex system of reactions within a carbon based life form
2. an organism that is self aware
If this is your definition of intelligence, I'm afraid it leaves much to be desired. Your definition clearly encompasses just human beings and nothing else: baking soda is clearly not "aware of itself" nor is any animal. The question is a good one, but you limit yourself by defining it using two very vague components.
And you answered your own question without room for debate.
In my opinion, intelligence is more than just existing and being able to perform complex reactions. There is a level of self-awareness involved, but it goes deeper.
But, your question prompts other very relevant questions: what is knowledge, education and wisdom? What is their relationship to intelligence, if any?
And here is another question: Is there a difference between "Intelligence" and being "intelligent"? What about "intelligences"?
Surely there are scientific and spiritual components that make up actual "intelligence", and limiting yourself to a strictly "scientific" approach does not lend itself to much discussion, because clearly your definition applies to human beings alone, and nothing else.
Brandon, your definition of intelligence as the "ability to choose between two reactions" and "light of truth" is also quite interesting. I would like to see further explanation of "truth" and "light".
What is truth? What is light? What is the light OF truth?
The D&C states that intelligence is the glory of God! (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/93/29-30,36#29) Woah. That most DEFINITELY needs some explanation!
Your thoughts?